A/n: it's raining. I suppose I should be grateful but it's also very dark and dismal outside, pretty much sucking any motivation I may have had to be in any way productive right out of me. Luckily I still have a few chapters ready to go so for today, you get lucky. for now.

Chapter Four

"Amico mio." Vincente smiled warmly at his visitor. "It is always a pleasure to see you. What news do you have for me?" He was keenly hoping his capo regime could report some progress on the Hardy Problem. He was not disappointed.

"Capo crimini, I have had had much opportunity to observe Hardy. It will be difficult, but it can be done. Do I have your permission to proceed with the arrangements?" Mazzola asked. "Do you wish the details?"

Vincente held up a well manicured hand. "That will not be necessary. I trust you to do what is required to minimize our exposure. Continue as we discussed. If it becomes feasible to add the father or the brother, do so. But only if it will not endanger the primary goal. When will you do it?" he asked.

"Soon, Signor. The man is getting married in just over a week and will be leaving the country on his honeymoon immediately after. How poetic would it be if he were to die on the way to the wedding, yes?" Yellowed teeth showcased a feral grin. "The car has proven to be an easy target when he is not at home or at the office."

"My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail." Vincente's return grin was positively malicious in its' glee. "I shall have to procure a suitable wedding gift."

Vincente then steered the topic towards other concerns, chief among them Aldo's recommendation for new Piccioto to replace his younger brothers, dead at the hands of the policia when they were torturing Joe Hardy. Several hours were spent discussing various underlings within the organization, many of which had wormed their way in while Aldo was exiled to Italy when he had to hide from the FBI. They both spoke with the years of experience avoiding incriminating explicit conversation afforded them. Had they been overheard, there was nothing said or implied that could remotely lead to a conviction in any US court.

Eventually, though, Mazzola took his leave of Vincente and the elderly gentleman was left alone to contemplate a world without those annoying Hardys. As Mazola was leaving, Vincente's eldest son and heir came in. "Papa, what has you in such a good mood?" Mario Junior asked.

"Soon, my son, the Family will be able to rest easier at night. The Hardy family will no longer be such a thorn in our side." Vincente waved for his son to take a seat. "Considering the number of times you have begged me to take them out, I am sure this news pleases you."

Junior could not contain his glee. "This is wonderful, Papa! What made you change your mind?"

"Aldo requested Retribution for his brothers' loss. I decided to grant it. Joe Hardy will be dead before the week is out."

"This is fantastic! But what about the other two?" Junior especially held a hatred for Frank, as it was Frank who humiliated him in front of underlings with a few well placed martial arts moves.

"I have given latitude. If it can be done, it shall be."

"No, Papa! You must give the order for all of them to die! Should either one live, they will come after us when the younger son dies!" Junior insisted with passion.

Vincente held up a hand. "It is done. It is enough that they will be devastated by the loss. If perhaps someday they pursue vendetta, we will handle it then." He refused to be baited or coerced into something more than had been authorized. Junior attempted to argue the point some more, but was unceremoniously told the subject was closed. "They have not pursued their own vendetta, even after the treatment young Joseph received at our hands. I only agreed to Aldo's request as it was more than a Family matter, it was a blood family request. You will abide by my order!" at that pronouncement, Junior muttered surly agreement and stalked out.

Soon after, Junior called his own meeting with his private Lieutenants, the ones that answered to him alone. They discussed taking matters into their own hands, with the consensus being that it was necessary for the long term survival of the Family to remove all three Hardys as potential obstacles.

A/n: yeap. I couldn't leave well enough alone. Not one but TWO diabolical plots against our Heroes. and they are clueless! Have a great weekend as you all wait patiently for Tuesday's update!